Cruising Part 1 of 4: Freeport, Bahamas

Due to the extended fog delay, the captain of the Carnival Magic decided to switch up our ports of call.  By doing this and reducing our time in each port, we were still able to visit all three scheduled locations.  

Our first port of call was Freeport, Bahamas.  This was the first time Melissa (our daughter) stepped foot on foreign soil.  What a wonderful introduction to international travel.  We took a guided tour of this beautiful island during our 30 minute bus ride to a private white sand beach.  Oh, what a beautiful, relaxing place!  The moment our toes sunk into the soft, warm sand and wiggled their way to the cool Atlantic waters - we were hooked. The sun shined brightly as the winds gently cooled our soon-to-be sunburned bodies (yes, we used sunscreen!).  
 

 

While on the beach, we heard the roar of jet skis, laughter and the unique sound of a conch shell being blown.  We couldn't resist making a deal and bringing home our very own conch shell along with a starfish.  

We also enjoyed a great visit with this family staying at the hotel as they escaped some of their Canadian winter. Camille was a joy as she fed her sandwich to the birds and explored the sand and water with the gentle guidance of her parents.  

We reluctantly left the fabulous and almost sacred space of the beach to go in search of lunch.  Melissa was brave, trying and loving the conch fritters!  But we were on a tightening schedule and wanted to get a bit of shopping done before time to head back to the ship. The Port Lucaya Marketplace was perfect.  We found a cover-up dress for Melissa and I got a lovely red gauze blouse.  Melissa also found a fun hat made of recycled cardboard by local cancer patients. Proceeds support their ministry and provide for care and research.  We took time to send my nephew a postcard for a school project.  Don't you love the mailbox!  

Before we re-boarded the ship, we enjoyed a few last minutes of island life. We decided to try a favorite local drink - coconut milk, coconut water and coconut rum - in a freshly opened coconut. A sip was enough as neither one of us were big fans. But carrying around a coconut with straws certainly added to the awesome experience.  
 

The Gator's Nest

Recently we had a really remarkable day - temps near 80 degrees and sun shining bright in the sky.  The Texas Gulf Coast at it's best for a middle of January day.  On this glorious day, we decided to head out the the Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge to see how the alligators were fairing since our recent cold snap.  

I asked my husband if he could back up just a bit as something caught my eye but I was uncertain what exactly it was.  Well, weren't we surprised?!  A cluster of baby gators were enjoying the sunny day.  Most were practicing making a pyramid but a few more adventurous ones decided to swim a couple feet away.  

How many do you count?

I didn't get out because I was uncertain as to momma's location.  We couldn't see her but felt like she was nearby.  My husband shared about this experience with a friend who suggested we look below the cluster and see if they weren't sitting on mom - which is their usual behavior.  Look closely and in a couple photos, you see a large yellow eye just to the front and under the gator pyramid.  Yes, mom was right there the entire time, watching our every move. 

This gator was sitting among the reeds and grasses.  Is it just me, or is that a really long snout? 

We also got to witness the consumption of a fish, swallowed whole.  What a mouth, then neck full.  I bet teeth would have been welcomed in this effort.  

Then as we completed the Shoveler's Pond loop, we witnessed this gator sunbathing. 

As we departed the Refuge, we saw this observant hawk - watching the comings and goings of all.  What a beautiful bird!

I hope that you enjoy these photos but please respect my copyright and do NOT copy, post, share, print or in any way duplicate any of my photographs without my permission.

Secret Slippers

At 1:19 pm on August 15, 2014, my dear friend passed away. Please join me in praying for Dick, her family and friends. 

I have a dear friend who is in a mighty battle.  Just before the holidays, Ethel was diagnosed with Leukemia.  Currently, she is in the midst of a month-long hospital stay as she receives treatments.  As expected, but certainly not desired, she is drained of energy and dealing with unpleasant side-effects.  I traveled to visit my sweet friend recently, spent time with her at the hospital and tried to bring her some cheer.

Ethel and I met through knitting and I wanted to knit something special for her, a little bit of a pick-me-up in the midst of this trying time.  I found this darling pattern, Amy March's Slippers designed by Tiny Owl Knits.  The fiber is Cascade 128 Superwash.  I made a few adaptions to allow for a little size adjusting by way of the ribbon which runs around the slipper.  This also allows for the ribbons to be removed if the wearer needs to give them a quick wash.  While I was knitting for Ethel, I decided to knit a pair for our mutual friend, and my hostess, Jean. I used the same yarn but different colorways in the ribbons for hers.


Ethel styling her new hat, a donation to the hospital for those undergoing chemotherapy.

Please join me in surrounding Ethel in prayer, creating a hedge of protection and healing for this lovely woman.  I pray that Malachi 4:2 will be fulfilled and health restored soon to my friend.  I love you, my sweet friend!

This photo is of Ethel and her husband, Dick, when they visited us in September and we got to ride the ferry over to Galveston for dinner.  Let's do it again, real soon!!!

But for you who respect my name, the sun of vindication will rise with healing wings, and you will skip about like calves released from the stall. Malachi 4:2